Chapter 783 - 357: The Family’s Greatest Secret (Ten-Thousand-Word Mega - , Set to Sail!)

Chapter 783: Chapter 357: The Family’s Greatest Secret (Ten-Thousand-Word Mega Chapter, Set to Sail!)

"It was a beautiful love story, they got married and soon had a daughter as adorable as an angel..."

"But seventeen years ago, when their daughter was less than a year old, they were hit head-on by a truck driver on their way back to the farm from Denver..."

A flicker of deep, bone-penetrating pain flashed in Elizabeth’s eyes.

"By the time we arrived, it was too late. Hunter lost his most proud son, and I lost my most precious daughter."

"Both our families wanted to raise the child who survived because she was at home, and we fought fiercely with Old Hunter over it. Eventually, we won the custody of the child."

She put down the teacup, looked at Lin Yu’an, and revealed the earth-shattering secret:

"Kira, she is not my daughter; she is my granddaughter."

"Back then, to ensure she grew up in a complete family without bearing the sorrow of losing parents from a young age, we made a decision."

"We announced to the outside world that she was a daughter born to me in my old age. We gave her a brand new identity, a carefree childhood."

The study was deathly silent. Lin Yu’an was overwhelmed by this monumental lie constructed out of love.

"All our family, except for Riven, have guarded this secret together for seventeen years."

Elizabeth’s voice carried a plea, "Lin, I am telling you this today in hopes that you never bring up how much Kira resembles her parents in front of her."

"I don’t want any accident to disrupt her current peaceful and happy life."

Lin Yu’an was silent for a long time, digesting this heavy secret.

He raised his head and asked a crucial question: "So when do you plan to let her know the truth?"

Elizabeth’s face showed a complex, heart-wrenchingly sad mix of love and selfishness.

"Perhaps... it will wait until Sean and I have left this world." She said softly, "That way, even if she blames us, hates us for deceiving her, we won’t be there to see it."

"Although she might blame us for it, compared to giving her a carefree, love-filled childhood, we are willing to bear this bit of blame."

This answer moved Lin Yu’an’s heart with an unprecedented shock.

This family, using a seventeen-year-long lie, constructed a beautiful yet fragile castle for their most cherished treasure.

And he, an unwitting intruder, had now become one of the keepers of this secret.

The air in the study turned heavy with this poignant story. Even the aroma of premium Dragon Well tea could not dispel the sorrow lingering for seventeen years.

Looking at Elizabeth, who governed a sprawling family, for the first time he saw deep vulnerability belonging to a mother in her hawk-like eyes.

He remained silent for a long time, not considering whether or not to promise, but digesting the mountain-like love and sacrifice behind this secret.

He finally understood why Kira could maintain crystal purity and innocence even within such a noble family.

Because all the paths of her growth had been paved smooth by her family, shielding her from all the stones that might cause her pain.

Lin Yu’an slowly placed the teacup back on the mahogany tea table, making a slight sound. He met Elizabeth’s gaze earnestly.

"Madam," his voice deep and sincere, "What you have given her is not just a carefree childhood. You have given her a world without shadows."

"I assure you, there would never be a possibility of this secret leaking from me."

He didn’t just say "I will keep the secret," but "there won’t be a possibility of it leaking," a stronger and more definitive promise.

Indicating that he will not only keep his mouth shut but also actively avoid any risk that might trigger problems.

Elizabeth’s tense shoulders finally showed an imperceptible relaxation upon hearing this promise.

She gave Lin Yu’an a deep look, and the scrutiny and vigilance in her eyes completely faded away, replaced by uncommon trust.

She found it somewhat ironic that the family’s most core secret was eventually entrusted to an outsider they had known for less than a day.

But intuition told her that the man before her deserved this trust.

"Thank you," she said sincerely, "Old Hunter chose you as the heir to the farm, it seems his sharp eyes are as keen as ever."

"Additionally, please forgive my rude probing today; it was all to better understand you. As for Riven’s thoughts, let young people deal with young people’s affairs."

"After you and Mike return from the sea, if you can gain his recognition, he should invite you to join the endeavor he has been planning."

Saying this enigmatic statement made Lin Yu’an somewhat puzzled, she stood up, marking the end of this confidential talk, "Let’s go, pretend that nothing happened tonight."

As the door to the study reopened, Lin Yu’an followed Elizabeth back to the living room as he expected, the atmosphere there was somewhat stagnant.

Sean sat alone at the bar, sipping whiskey intermittently, his usually energetic silhouette now appeared a bit lonely.

Mike stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the dark sea, his brow furrowed.